YOUNG St John Ambulance volunteers will gather in York this month to celebrate two important landmarks, as the charity's fundraising appeal to buy a new ambulance reaches the £9,000 mark.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Badgers and the 80th anniversary of the Cadets - two groups of under-18s who account for more than half of all St John Ambulance volunteers.

The young volunteers, considered a vital part of the charity, are set to benefit from a new £43,000 ambulance for the York area, as many cadets carry out public duties with the adult volunteers.

The £43,000 is being raised through the Life Savers campaign launched by the Evening Press and St John Ambulance.

On June 29, about 250 Badgers and Cadets from North Yorkshire and Teesside will gather at York's Knavesmire as part of a double celebration.

The North Yorkshire and Teesside Cadet of the Year, Rose Stephenson, 16, from Acomb, York, is urging everyone to support the appeal during this special year so that cadets and adult volunteers can give people in the York area an even better service.

She said: "I joined the Badgers when I was about six and now I am doing public duties and I go to events at weekends.

"I get to meet a lot of people and I have also helped when my friend broke his ankle and also when someone got hit by a car. Some of the things you do are common sense, but you could make a big mistake if you didn't know what you were doing.

"It's reassuring having the training behind you."

On June 29 games and activities such as face-painting, five-a-side football, a bouncy castle and a disco will be laid on for the young volunteers.

Updated: 10:52 Saturday, June 22, 2002